Mark Logan, ex-Independent Residents’ Group member, who undergoes kidney dialysis three times per week, was automatically removed from post following a six-month absence from council meetings.

IRG leader Cllr Jeff Tucker (Rainham and Wennington) was forced to leave chambers after a vote to overturn the decision was lost by an overwhelming majority.

Cllr Tucker repeatedly called other members “bullies” before being escorted from the meeting in Havering Town Hall, after the mayor Cllr Eric Munday called for his dismissal just 10 minutes before the end.

As he left, he said: “I’m sorry Mr Mayor but they’re all a bunch of bullies.

Cllr Jeff Tucker accused other councillors of being 'bullies'

“I’ve met some extremely bad people in my life but never so many in one place.”

The meeting also saw Cllr Michael White (Conservative, Squirrels Heath) stand down as council leader.

Cllr Steve Kelly (Con, Emerson Park) was then voted in to take the council’s helm.

The IRG’s motion to slash the number of councillors who receive a special responsibility allowance by half was fiercely debated but the Conservatives won with their amendment.

The council will instead review councillors’ pay when deciding the budget in next month.

Cllr Georgina Galpin (Con, Hylands) said: “I have never had a resident come to me to complain about our allowances.”